When the Mega Manila Annual Conference looks at the mission field before them, they do not see boundaries, they see opportunities. From the islands of the Philippines to communities across the Middle East and Europe, this growing conference is embracing its calling to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness through evangelism, leadership development, and church multiplication. With 59 congregations , Mega Manila has become one of the most internationally connected conferences in the Global Methodist Church. Their ministry reflects both a deep commitment to their local communities and a vision that extends far beyond their own borders. At the center of their ministry is a commitment to equip leaders for faithful service. Through Empowering Academy , the conference’s annual school of ministry, pastors, church workers, and lay leaders receive training in theology, discipleship, preaching, leadership, and ministry practice. What began as a resource for clergy has expanded to include opportunities for laity, and plans are underway to develop additional training for youth and young adult leaders. The conference has also invested heavily in theological education through partnerships with Truett Theological Seminary and Wesley Biblical Seminary , providing educational opportunities for more than 50 students pursuing ministry training. Leaders in Mega Manila believe theological education and spiritual formation must go hand in hand, raising up ministers who are both biblically grounded and spiritually equipped. Many of these students never imagined they could study through U.S.-based seminaries and are grateful for the quality of education, the Wesleyan foundation, and the spiritual depth of their instructors. Beyond these initiatives are faithful leaders who have committed themselves to strengthening the Church. Conference Superintendent, Rev. Luther Oconer recognized the work of their presiding elders, clergy, church planters, lay leaders, youth ministry leaders, Connectional Council, and Board of Ministry, many of whom serve sacrificially in challenging ministry settings. Deputy Conference Superintendent Rev. Robert Parcasio, along with the conference’s presiding elders, has played a vital role in mentoring pastors, strengthening congregations, and expanding ministry opportunities throughout the conference. Rev. Oconer also acknowledged the “splendid episcopal leadership” in reference to Bishop Scott Jones’ first visit to Mega Manila in 2023, accompanied by his wife, Mary Lou Reece. It marked an important moment of connection between this emerging area and the GMC. Reflecting on his leadership, Rev. October noted, “Bishop Jones has led us so well with great humility and wisdom in these past three years.” A Global Vision Rooted in Mission Mega Manila’s ministry extends beyond the Philippines through growing partnerships and congregations among Filipino communities around the world. In Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, the conference is supporting ministry expansion, including the development of a dedicated worship center in Doha. The facility will provide a permanent home for ministry among overseas Filipino workers and eventually serve expatriates from the many nations represented in Qatar. The conference has also expanded into Europe with the launch of Empowered Christian Mission (ECM) in Redhill, Surrey, United Kingdom—the first Global Methodist congregation established in England, the birthplace of Methodism. The congregation’s formation led to the commissioning of Ruth Bala, a registered nurse, as ECM’s first supply pastor. These ministries reflect Mega Manila’s belief that connectionalism is more than a structure; it is a way of living out the mission together. Churches throughout the conference support one another through prayer, financial contributions, ministry teams, and shared resources. Partnerships with congregations and conferences in the United States have strengthened this global connection, particularly through collaboration with Mississippi-West Tennessee Annual Conference and individuals and churches from other conferences, including Mid-Texas and Trinity. Rev. Oconer shared that the conference is also grateful for the many volunteers who have invested their time, resources, and encouragement into Mega Manila’s ministry. Teams from Kingdom Partners 9:38 and Global Mission Partners have partnered with local congregations over the past three years, blessing churches through service, support, and shared mission. These relationships demonstrate the beauty of the GMC connectional model, where churches across nations work together to strengthen the body of Christ. A Culture of Multiplication Church planting remains one of Mega Manila’s highest priorities. Since 2023, the conference has launched 29 new churches , representing approximately half of its congregations. Some began through established groups transitioning into the GMC, while others started as Bible studies, home fellowships, storefront churches, and mission outreaches before becoming worshiping communities. The conference has set an ambitious vision of planting at least 100 additional churches by 2030 . To support this effort, Mega Manila has established a Church Multiplication Team focused on helping leaders understand how to start new congregations and develop sustainable ministries. At the recent annual conference session, leaders also approved a study exploring whether church planting could become part of the preparation process for future deacons and elders; a reflection of the conference’s conviction that multiplication is central to its identity. Lives Transformed Through the Gospel Behind every number is a story of transformation. Across Mega Manila, churches are reporting new professions of faith, baptisms, renewed prayer movements, and deeper commitments to discipleship. One congregation in Manila has embraced the Alpha Course as an evangelistic tool, successfully using it to engage young people and introduce them to the Christian faith. Other churches have become centers of community outreach through feeding programs, disaster response efforts, and ministries serving vulnerable populations.  Leaders say one of the greatest signs of God’s movement is seeing young people step into leadership and respond to God’s call to ministry. Looking Ahead With Faith As Mega Manila looks toward the future, its priorities remain focused on strengthening churches, developing leaders, expanding evangelism, investing in youth and young adults, and planting new congregations. The conference hopes to launch at least 20 new church plants in the coming year while continuing to deepen partnerships throughout the GMC. The conference’s vision is simple: Spirit-filled, disciple-making churches transforming communities throughout the Philippines and beyond. Through leadership development, global partnerships, and a commitment to multiplication, Mega Manila Annual Conference demonstrates what it means to live as a connected church family that reaches across cultures and continents while remaining rooted in the shared mission of Jesus Christ.

Two years ago, Mt. Gilead Methodist Church in Woodstock, GA was worshiping with about fifteen faithful people each Sunday. The congregation loved their church and loved Jesus, but the future felt uncertain. The pews were mostly empty, there were no children in the nursery, and the question quietly lingered: What comes next? Rather than close their doors or continue in maintenance mode, Mt. Gilead chose courage. They entered into a missional partnership with Canton First Methodist Church, built not on control but collaboration. The goal was not simply survival. It was spiritual renewal and refreshed mission. That partnership became catalytic. With coaching, shared leadership development, and a renewed focus on disciple-making, Mt. Gilead began to shift from preserving the past to embracing the future. Today, average worship attendance has more than tripled. The sanctuary that once felt sparse now carries energy, expectancy, and new faces. Last summer marked their first Vacation Bible School in years. The halls were filled with children learning Scripture and singing about Jesus. In the past year alone, the church has celebrated six professions of faith and baptisms—visible signs that God is still saving and transforming lives. The renewal has extended to their facilities. Mt. Gilead completely remodeled its building to include dedicated nursery and children’s spaces, making a clear statement: the next generation matters here. Their outward focus has grown as well. The church now partners with a local elementary school, supports missionaries in Nicaragua, and shares its facilities with a Brazilian ministry. What was once a struggling congregation has become a hub for local and global mission. Mt. Gilead’s story is a testimony that decline is not destiny. Through humble partnership, courageous leadership, and the work of the Holy Spirit, a church once on the brink has experienced rebirth—and the story is still unfolding.